Introduction to Field Environmental Philosophy: A New Methodological Approach for Biocultural Education and Conservation

Abstract

Modern education has fostered universal forms of knowledge, practices, pedagogical paradigms, and infrastructure. Uniform educational models can overlook the richness of regional biological and cultural diversity, and their interactions (in short, biocultural diversity). The omission of vernacular forms of knowledge and also endemic biota and their interrelationships can indirectly drive biocultural diversity losses. At the same time, there is also a diversity of educational practices that promote the conservation of biocultural diversity. In this book, we present a novel educational methodological approach to appreciate local biocultural diversity. This methodology is called “field environmental philosophy,” because it integrates sciences, humanities, arts, and ethics to learn about biophysical, symbolic-linguistic, and political dimensions of biocultural diversity. A central goal of FEP is that students and other participants not only learn about biocultural diversity but also foster respectful ways of becoming responsible co-inhabitants. This book is organized into four parts that present: (1) concepts and practices of FEP; (2) a diversity of philosophical schools of thought and concepts and methods that inform FEP, and other complementary educational models; (3) case studies that exemplify valuable non-formal education initiatives for biocultural conservation; and (4) long-term research and education platforms that support field experiences that facilitate an understanding, valuation, and conservation of biocultural diversity. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to dynamic, intercultural, and interregional approaches to planetary stewardship initiatives. This book builds on more than 20 years of FEP activities that progressively have included (1) graduate students from different parts of the world, (ii) transdisciplinary approaches involving not only academia, but also public servants, members of indigenous and other local communities, as well as from the tourism sector, (iii) the integration of theory and practice into the creation of multiple-use protected areas, new tourism themes and activities, and biocultural conservation policy. Our goal is to offer educational concepts and practices that reconnect society with biocultural diversity for the well-being of both.